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Reviewing Bainbridge Uncorked

Last weekend we dusted off our wine glasses in preparation of
our first joint tasting event where we could both do some serious
tasting — while Brynn is still out on maternity leave she was able
to get away to Bainbridge Island for a couple of hours for the
Bainbridge Uncorked event.

We had the chance to attend a VIP event held Friday evening
before the main event got started, giving us ample time to jump
from table to table and to chat up each of the seven winemakers
that were on hand to pour their wines.

The event also gave us a chance to try some of the wines that
were recently recognized at the Seattle Wine Awards. Here’s a recap
of those wines:

Amelia Wynn Winery

DOUBLE GOLD 2009 Amelia Wynn Winery Cuvée, Columbia
Valley

The Cuvee is a beautiful blend of 62 percent Cab, 27 percent
Merlot, and 11 percent Petit Verdot. The color is deep and rich
with a black cherry and plum upfront and then wonderful mineral and
herb aromas. This all comes together to produce a very balanced
wine. This is the wine’s second year as a Double Gold Medal
winner.

DOUBLE GOLD 2009 Amelia Wynn Winery Sangiovese, Red
Mountain

We love this Sangiovese, from its nose of cherries and herbs,
the refreshing acidity, the balanced cherry, fruit and herbs, to
the silky finish. A blend of Red Mountain’s Kiona Vineyard
Sangiovese with a dollop of Merlot from the Vista Vineyard in
Columbia Valley. This is a definite must try! And coming in 2013,
winemaker Paul Bianchi will release a Sangiovese Rose.

Eleven Winery

DOUBLE GOLD 2009 Eleven Winery La Ronde, Washington
State

Here’s a blend of all winemaker Matt Albee’s reds that he
sources from Horse Heaven Hills. This version is Syrah (44
percent), Mourvedre (22 percent), Petite Verdot (22 percent) and
Malbec (11 percent). It has a perfumed nose of raspberry and
strawberry. On the palate, this purple-black wine is rich in
texture and has a beautiful finish that matches the nose.

BRONZE 2010 Eleven Winery Roussanne, Yakima
Valley

We tasted Albee’s 2011 Roussanne made from 10-year-old vines off
Elephant Mountain.

What a gorgeous wine. It’s aromatic with a rich, unctuous feel.
The full-bodied wine is floral with lemon and pear fruit flavors.
It is so delicious. But hurry; there are only 90 cases of this
gem.

Rolling Bay Winery

SILVER 2009 Rolling Bay Winery Cuvée Aldaro, Snipes
Mountain

Winemaker Alphonse de Klerk’s Cuvee this year is a blend of 78
percent Cab, 12 percent Cab Franc, and 10 percent Merlot. This
blend is dominated by an herbal Cabernet with notes of dark cherry
and plum from the Cab Franc and Merlot. The finish is more herbal
than fruit so we’d pair this one with a steak that has plenty of
grilled green peppers or even pesto.

BRONZE 2009 Rolling Bay Winery Syrah, Snipes
Mountain

This was a hot year on the south facing slopes of Snipes
Mountain. And as a result, this wine is fruit-forward with lots of
blackberry and plum flavors. It has a heady floral aroma and a deep
purple hue. Almost two years in French oak, this medium-bodied wine
has soft tannins. It would be a great pairing with grilled baby
back ribs.